Colorado Democrats are pushing a plan to allow illegal immigrants to attend state public colleges at the in-state tuition rates, according to a report Tuesday in the
Denver Post.
The move by Democrats, who now control both chambers of the legislature, comes two years after a bill that set the tuition rate for illegal immigrants above the in-state rate but lower than the out-of-state fee was rejected by the then Republican-controlled body.
Democratic State Sen. Mike Johnston told the Post the proposed legislation now is a "a simpler, more equitable approach to tuition."
According to figures cited in the Post, the difference between paying in-state college tuition for Colorado high school graduates who are illegal immigrants and out-of-state tuition could be at least $10,000 or more.
Supporters of lower tuition rates believe that some Republicans may cross the aisle this time to support the effort.
But not House Republican leader Mark Waller, who said most of his colleagues still favor "comprehensive immigration reform" legislation over separate bills dealing with immigrant issues.
He also noted that illegal immigrants still "can't get a job" in the state, even with the tuition help.
"I think it gives false hope," he said. "It's just another attempt for Democrats to make government all things for all people."
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